Governor signs high-speed rail conflict-of-interest measure

California High-Speed Rail Authority

California High-Speed Rail Authority

Gov. Jerry Brownhas signed a bill that requires state high-speed rail officials to disclose their financial investments and eliminates a loophole that created potential conflicts of interest for the project’s board members.

The legislation by Assemblyman Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) requires members of the California High-Speed Rail Authority board to comply with the financial disclosure and conflict provisions of the California Political Reform Act.

The measure further states that contractors and subcontractors, such as consultants, must disclose their financial interests if they are hired by the authority to conduct peer review studies.

“As we go forward with one of the biggest public works projects in the nation,” Hill said, “we need to ensure there is maximum transparency and prevent conflicts of interests."